Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that have adapted in incredible ways to feed on nectar. Their long, slender beaks and specially adapted tongues allow them to reach deep into flowers to extract the sugary nectar that provides them with energy. However, like any living creature, hummingbirds can become susceptible to infections that impact their ability to feed properly. One such infection is tongue rot, a fungal infection of the tongue that can be devastating for hummingbirds.
What causes tongue rot in hummingbirds?
Tongue rot is caused by a fungal infection, usually Candida albicans, the same fungus that causes thrush infections in humans. The Candida fungus is an opportunistic pathogen that is normally present in small amounts in the mouths and throats of hummingbirds. However, if the bird’s immune system becomes compromised from stress, poor nutrition, or other illnesses, the fungus can overgrow and cause an infection. The warm, sugary environment of the hummingbird’s mouth is an ideal place for the fungus to thrive once it gains a foothold.
In addition to Candida overgrowth, tongue rot can also be caused by fungal spores introduced into the mouth by contaminated feeders. Hummingbird feeders that are not cleaned properly can harbor fungal spores that can be transmitted to hummingbirds when they insert their tongues into the feeders. Ensuring feeders are washed thoroughly and the sugar water is changed frequently can help prevent infected feeders from spreading fungus.
What are the symptoms of a hummingbird tongue infection?
There are several obvious symptoms of tongue rot in hummingbirds to be on the lookout for:
- White or yellowish cottage cheese-like patches or lesions on the tongue
- Swollen, enlarged, or misshapen tongue
- Loss of tongue filaments that are used to lap up nectar
- Reddened or inflamed areas at the base of the tongue
- Difficulty and discomfort preening or grooming
- Excessive head scratching
- Loss of appetite and lethargy
- An inability to feed properly from flowers or feeders
Hummingbirds with tongue infections may have trouble extending their tongues or moving them properly to lap up nectar. You may see them desperately trying to feed but unable to do so. They may have reduced energy and be more lethargic than normal due to malnutrition if they cannot feed adequately.
How is a hummingbird’s tongue infection diagnosed?
If you notice the symptoms of tongue rot in a hummingbird, the bird will need to be examined by an avian veterinarian for an official diagnosis. The veterinarian will perform a physical exam of the mouth and tongue using magnification and lab tests to determine if a fungal infection is present. A sample of the lesions or infected tissue may be scraped and viewed under a microscope to identify Candida or other fungal organisms.
Blood tests can also check for elevated white blood cell count, indicating infection or inflammation. Fungal cultures can also be taken to identify the exact species of fungus involved. Once diagnosed with tongue rot, appropriate antifungal medication can be prescribed.
How is tongue rot treated in hummingbirds?
Treating tongue infections in hummingbirds poses some challenges due to the tiny size of the birds and the location of the infection. But with proper care by a veterinarian, many cases of tongue rot can be successfully cured.
Medications commonly used to treat tongue rot include:
- Nystatin – An antifungal medication given by mouth daily for 1-2 weeks
- Ketoconazole – An antifungal that treats systemic fungal infections
- Fluconazole – An antifungal medication given orally or by injection
The antifungal medications are given daily for a prescribed duration as outlined by the vet. In mild cases, medicated sugar syrup may be provided in a specially designed feeder that allows the bird to ingest the medication along with food.
In more severe infections, the tongue may be so swollen that the bird cannot lap up syrup properly. In these cases, fluids and nutritional support will need to be given through tube feeding under veterinary guidance until the infection clears. Tube feeding provides vital nourishment while bypassing the infected tongue until healed.
Keeping the bird in a warm, stress-free environment is also very important for recovery. Hummingbirds with tongue infections are often dehydrated and depleted of energy reserves. Providing supplemental heat, fluids, rest and a quiet space to recuperate are all critical aspects of care.
What is the prognosis for a hummingbird with tongue rot?
The prognosis depends on several factors:
- How soon the infection is detected and treated
- The severity of the infection
- The overall health of the bird
- Whether any secondary infections are present
- How well the bird responds to antifungal therapy
Mild cases caught and treated early often have an excellent prognosis with most birds making a full recovery. However, in advanced cases with severe swelling, deformity or secondary infections present, the prognosis worsens. Tongue rot can occasionally lead to serious complications like mouth ulcers, gastrointestinal infections or respiratory issues if left untreated.
Birds who are weak, malnourished or have compromised immune systems are also more at risk for complications and death from tongue infections. With prompt veterinary care, many hummingbirds can recover fully even from moderate-severe tongue rot. But some with underlying health issues may succumb despite treatment efforts.
Can tongue rot be prevented in hummingbirds?
There are some steps hummingbird owners can take to try to prevent fungal tongue infections:
- Keep feeders extremely clean – wash with hot water & white vinegar weekly
- Avoid letting sugar water sit for more than a few days
- Use sterile techniques when handling feeders
- Disinfect feeders between uses
- Avoid overcrowding at feeders
- Keep fresh food supplies available
- Promptly remove any dead birds found
- Isolate any sick or infected birds
- Keep the feeder area clean of droppings
Minimizing possible sources of fungal contamination can help prevent transmission. But tongue rot can still occur randomly in some birds due to natural Candida levels or temporary immune suppression. So vigilance for symptoms and prompt treatment is important for hummers frequently visiting feeders.
Conclusion
Tongue rot is a serious fungal infection that can impact hummingbirds that rely on their specialized tongues to feed. Proper diagnosis by an avian vet and treatment with antifungal medications can successfully cure many cases. Preventing contamination around feeders and maintaining excellent hygiene practices can help reduce risk. But some infections may still occur sporadically in compromised birds. Catching the symptoms like lesions, swelling and eating difficulty early and getting timely veterinary care offers the best chance for recovery from this devastating wildlife disease.
